Calling Australia Home

The new Citizenship Bill, Australian Citizenship Legisltion Amendment (Australian Citizenship Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the Commitments for Australian Citizenship and Other Measures) currently before the Senate will adversely impact many new migrants and refugees – making it harder for them to become Australian Citizens.

If the Bill is passed it will

increase the residence requirement from 4 to 8 years or more, and

implement a new English language threshold.

At present, a potential Australian citizen must be a resident in Australia for at least 4 years, and one of those years as aPermanent Resident. The new law would require someone to live in Australia as aPermanent Residentfor 8 years.

We live in a country that offers safety and opportunity to many. Australians pride themselves on giving people a “fair go”. Yet for many new migrants who love this country, the opportunity to call Australia home may become more difficult.

Aya's Story

Aya came to Australia 15 years ago from Myanmar and married an Australian citizen. She loves this country and is actively involved in her community. Aya works part time as a cook. She attends church weekly and enjoys cooking for church activities. She also volunteers at her daughter’s school. However, Aya is the daughter of a farmer, and left school in her early teens. Due to a lack of formal education, she may not satisfy the proposed written English requirements.

You have the opportunity for your voice to be heard

Anglicare does not support the Australian Citizenship Legislation Amendment (Strengthening the Commitments for Australian Citizenship and Other Measures) Bill currently before the Senate.

Please have your say on this new law which will prevent many people who love their new country from becoming Australian Citizens.

There are people in our communities who long for a permanent place to live and contribute. Let’s welcome them home.

Anglicare supports Government and community efforts to assist migrants and refugees improve their English and show their commitment to Australian society.

For more than 40 years we have supported people resettle in the Greater Sydney area. We have seen many refugees and migrants thrive during that time. We have also seen many who relished the opportunity to become Australian citizens.

We work alongside people who have fled situations where atrocities and persecution were committed under the name of their previous state, or they did not even hold a nationality. These aspiring citizens yearn for the opportunity to express their gratitude and formalise their commitment to Australia.

The privilege of Australian citizenship in itself can generate a feeling of belonging and inclusion in our community. Many feel accepted and welcomed when they become Australian citizens.

Anglicare is committed to assisting people improve their English language skills. We work with more than 90 parishes hosting ESL classes across Greater Sydney and the Illawarra region.

People with basic English skills still may have much to offer Australian society. They can function and contribute effectively within our community, as their English skills improve over time. The present requirements for the Citizenship test already require a basic level of English proficiency.

Anglicare will be submitting a response to this new Senate Inquiry, which closes 27 April 2018.